A Commentary on my Latest Gadget

If you are familiar with the contents of my blog page, you will notice a new picture up on the left of a white ribbon tied into a knot. I came across this today as a new method to outwardly show one's support of gay marriage.

Now, rather than just throw this up and let speculation run rampant, I decided to try to get some of my thoughts and feelings on this matter out in the open. In theory, it sounded like a great idea, but in practice it is proving difficult to put to words what I feel in my heart.

Basically, I feel there is precious little love in this world as it is. Hate far over-reaches love in so many instances, and if there is one thing we could use more of in this world it's love. And so, with this thought in mind, I see no reason why we should be against love between two people, no matter what their gender. It's their life, not mine, and they are happy and bringing more positive things into the world. What's not to like?

In addition, I think if two people are living together, sharing bills, and taking care of each other, in a committed relationship that they hope will last a lifetime, then they should be allowed to have that relationship recognized in a civil manner. So what if churches and religions don't accept it -- no one's asking them to. What we are (those who support gay marriage) asking to have happen is government recognition of the loving relationship between the two people, and receipt of the same civil rights that other people in loving married relationships have. Namely tax deductions, spousal health care coverage, spousal life insurance, etc.

Now, I've heard a lot of people say that gay marriage "threatens" their "traditional" (ie heterosexual) marriage. My response to this is, "Why? Is your hold on your husband or wife so tenuous that a loving couple of the same gender somehow threatens your marriage? Do you really think that your spouse will suddenly become gay and leave you after seeing gay people get married? Give me a break! You are simply fearing what you do not understand, and rather than seeking to understand it, you cave to your fear and claim your religious background as a reason to hate."

Which then brings me to the religious background of the majority who are against gay marriage: Christians. These Christians will claim that such marriages are "An abomination to God!" and that gay people are "SINNERS!"

Here is my response to those types:

1. Does your God not also say (in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3): "1If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^[b] but have not love, I gain nothing. "
2. Does your religion not say that we are ALL sinners and ALL have fallen short of the glory of God? Claiming that the act of being a sinner precludes a group of people from marriage (ie gay people) is a fallacy. Why? Because if being a sinner precluded a couple from being allowed to marry, NO ONE would marry! Why? Because your religion states that ALL have sinned! Do you see the major flaw in logic here?
3. My final argument is to point out that this country was not founded on Christianity, despite all the mistaken and well-intentioned people who claim that it was. It was not, and Thomas Jefferson, were he here, would fight you to the death regarding it. This country was founded on religous FREEDOM. That means Freedom FROM the tyranny of one religion dictating the government or the law. This means that your religious basis for denying a civil union between two people should have NO BEARING on governmental law. Why? Because it is erasing the separation of church and state. How would you like it as a Christian if Jewish people wanted to make a law banning all pork products? Why, you would cry that it is a violation of your civil rights! You are allowed to eat whatever you choose! Yes, you are. That is the beauty of our country. But if we allow religion to begin to creep into government, such a thing could happen. Do you see what is wrong with allowing your basis of religion to dictate law? It's unjust. And impinges on the freedom of all of us as Americans. And as an American, you should be ashamed of yourself for thinking it.
   

Now, I must point out that while I wholeheartedly support their civil rights and their right to marry, pursue happiness, etc., I am not necessarily someone that is comfortable with the whole "gay" thing. Mental images of the mechanics involved in such a relationship disturb me to no end. It's not a lifestyle I would ever choose or want to live.

However, I have had several good friends who were gay, both gay couples and gay singles. And they have all been wonderful, fabulous friends. They have embraced life to the fullest and shown me things about myself that I might never have seen before. They are often very artistic, articulate, and just plain fun to be around. They help me let go of some of my seriousness surrounding life and just have fun.

These are not a group of people to hate or fear. They truly wish you no harm. They just want access to the same civil rights that you and I have, and I, for one, see no reason to deny them of it.

We are all guaranteed the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" in this country. It's time we started honoring that promise.